We continue our study of the Gospel of John. Picking up at verse one of chapter 18, the Word reads:
“When He had finished praying, Jesus left with His disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side, there was a garden and He and His disciples went into it. Now Judas, who betrayed Him, knew the place because Jesus had often met there with His disciples. So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns, and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to Him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” Jesus of Nazareth, they replied. “I am He,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. Again He asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they said. Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He. If you are looking for Me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words He had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those You gave Me.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus,) Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?” John 18: 1-11.
John does not record the kiss that Judas betrayed Jesus with, as shown in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, but that kiss changed everything that night. It was an open betrayal of Jesus. His other Disciples deserted Him. He was left alone to carry out the task of saving mankind. But that was the plan. Only Jesus could have fulfilled the plan. He came to be the One to set man free from sin and death, and He was about to enter into what He had to do. The Word says,
“For if by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17
Jesus had told the Disciples what was going to happen several times. He had tried to get them prepared but they could never hear. He said, “What shall I say, Father save Me from this hour? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.” John 12:27 As they came for Him, though His Disciples were not ready, He was. He said, “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?
Let us thank Him for His Love, and the cup He drank for each of us every day.